This anonymous interview is with someone who did not answer if the question that asked if they’d been a hiring manager, a member of a hiring or search committee, and/or human resources. When asked, “Are you a librarian?” this person chose the response, “it’s complicated.” This person works at a public library with 0-10 200+ staff members in an Urban area in Canada
What Candidates Should Wear
Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?
√ Probably, yes (but it’s ok if the candidate wears something a little less formal)
An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:
√ I do not know and/or care
Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.
√ True
If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?
√ Either pantyhose or tights. Bare legs are inappropriate
Women should wear make-up to an interview:
√ I don’t care what’s on the face, it’s what’s in the brain that counts
Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?
√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress
Which jewelry may candidates wear: (Please select all that are acceptable)
√ All of the simple necklaces, bracelets, and rings he or she can load on
Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:
√ Natural colors (black, brown, red, blonde, gray)
The way a candidate dresses should:
√ Be fairly neutral
How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?
Yes, if that candidate, for example, sports a hair colour reminiscent of birds in the rainforest and is applying for a library manager’s position, I would have some apprehension in hiring this person for this particular position. However, if this same individual applied for a teen librarian position, the hair colour would not play a role — in fact, the unusual look might be an advantage.
What This Library Wears
How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?
I would wear a tailored suit.
On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:
3
What’s the dress code at your library/organization?
√ Other: none exists
Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code? (Please check all that apply)
√ N/A: We wear what we want!
Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)
√ Badges
This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!
Photo: Pre-Interview by Flickr user Elliott P.
Hiring Librarians 